The Kansas City Chiefs’ run to dominance has inspired a few fan favorites over the years and Mecole Hardman was toward the top of the list. A second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hardman’s speed and playmaking ability, especially on kick and punt returns, made him a household name. But as free agency has dragged on, it’s hard to hear anything about the 28 year old.
That’s because Hardman has effectively hit rock bottom. After his second stint with the Chiefs ended after the 2024 season, Hardman has had a hard time finding a job and with teams holding steady in free agency, it’s fair to wonder if Hardman will get another opportunity as he looks to revive his career in 2026.
Mecole Hardman Approaching Last Chance in Free Agency
Based on Hardman’s 2025 performance, a call from a new team may not be coming soon. He signed with the Green Bay Packers with hopes of winning their kick and punt return jobs last spring, but after muffing a kick in the first preseason game, he didn’t make the final cut and spent the first month of the season on the Packers’ practice squad.
Hardman was released for good on Sept. 23 and latched on with the Buffalo Bills. But even being teamed with Josh Allen wasn’t enough to provide a spark as he didn’t catch his lone target and managed just four yards on two punt returns and a 61-yard kickoff return on his lone attempt.
It’s a far cry from the player Hardman was in Kansas City. The Georgia product made an immediate impact catching 26 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns, but was even better as a returner with an average of 9.3 yards on punts and 26.1 yards on kickoff returns.
He went on to catch 151 passes for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns over his first four seasons but lasted just five games after signing with the New York Jets before being traded back to Kansas City at the 2023 trade deadline.
Hardman’s return also didn’t go as planned as he caught 26 passes for 208 yards and no touchdowns over 18 games. While it set the prelude for a disappointing 2025 season, it may also have him on the verge of being out of the league as teams set up their rosters for next season.
Perhaps a team looking for a special teams lift could use Hardman next year. But with his struggles last season, that may not be as strong of an avenue as it was in the past. Despite being a relatively young age, Hardman may be approaching his last chance, which makes this rock bottom in a career that has fallen off since he initially left the Chiefs.